Facial recognition: what the majority intends to do and what the EU rules are Political tension over the Artificial Intelligence legislative decree. The opposition is up in arms. The Government: “Italia will continue to comply with European legislation, starting with the AI Act, whilst upholding constitutional guarantees and civil liberties, the enforcement of which is the responsibility of the judicial authorities.” Key points The government’s attempt at a surprise move, the opposition’s uprising, the European Union’s veto, reassurances from Palazzo Chigi and, finally, a partial reversal by the ruling majority. This, in a nutshell, is the political turmoil that unfolded over the sensitive issue of facial recognition integrated with artificial intelligence. An issue that has also divided the centre-right once again, with Forza Italia rushing to set itself apart and champion the need to introduce safeguards and protections for rights. Meanwhile, the PD, through its secretary Elly Schlein, accuses: ‘The government argues about everything; it is out of touch with people’s problems. They should be sent straight to Big Brother: they prefer to control people rather than solve their problems.’ The Government’s acceleration It all began on 29 July, when the Government attempted to fast-track the legislative decree transposing the European AI Act (Regulation 2024/1689) and which, following the parliamentary process, must return to the Council of Ministers for final approval. It provides that in urgent cases such as threats of terrorism or to life or personal safety, the search for missing or abducted persons, or cases of trafficking or sexual exploitation, law enforcement agencies may obtain – subject to notification, even if only verbal, to the public prosecutor – authorisation to use biometric data collected using artificial intelligence. But that is not all. The draft legislative decree also provides for the possibility that CCTV systems may be used for